Machine for producing cellulose sheets and the like



March 9, 1943. E. CZAPEK 2,313,125

MACHINE FOR PRODUCING CELLULOSB SHEETS AND THE LIKE Original Filed Aug.12, 1937 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 'INVENTOR I 5 1/4 Cz/wfk I March 9, 1943;

E. CZAPEK 2,313,125 MACHINE FOR PRODUCING CELLULOSE SHEETS AND THE LIKEOriginal Filed Aug. 12, 1937 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 f*T' -f -1r -ucf ZINVENTOR f/n/L C24PK Patented Mar .9, 1943 mom son rnonuonvc CELLULOSEsnEa'rs AND 'rne mm s Emil Czapek, New York, N. Y.

Original application August 12, 1937, Serial No.

158,747. Divided and this application August3, l 1940, Serial No.350,290

This invention relates to devices for producing improved cellulosesheets, films or the like, and

the present application constitutes a division of my co-pendingapplication Serial No. 158,747 filed August 12, 1937.

Among the objects of the present invention, it is aimed to providedevices for producing an proved cellulose sheet, film or the like of anexceedingly uniform physical structure throughout having a practicallyequal tension and shrinkage characteristic in length as well as inwidth.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide devicesfor producing an improved cellulose sheet, film or the like of anexceedingly slight thickness as an instance having a weight peronethousand square inches of less than 0.40

ounce without striations and the like and having a width offorty inchesor more by means of a continuously operating process.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide devicesfor producing an improved cellulose sheet, film or the like of unusualthickness with an exceedingly uniform physical structure throughout.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide devicesfor carrying out improved processes for producing the aforesaid improvedcellulose sheets, films and the like.

These and other features, capabilities and advantages of the inventionwill appear from the sub-joined detail description of specificembodiments thereof illustrated in the accompanying drawings in which IFigure 1 is a section of one embodiment more 'or less diagrammaticallyshown;

Fig. 2 is a section of another embodiment more i or lessdiagrammatically shown;

Fig. 3 is a fragmental end elevation of a stripping device used in theseembodiments; and

Fig. 4 is a fragmental section of the stripping device shown in Fig. 3.

To carry out this invention, apouring base is used upon which acellulose solution in the form of a layer is spread. The layer becomessolidified as the result of immersing the base into a coagulationliquid. A

The essential novelty and' the advancement I achieved resides in thefact that not only is the coagulationof the layer carried out on thebase but part of the subsequent regeneration of the coagulated strip isalso so carried out on the base and, at least, long enough so that thestrip will become sufliciently solidified so that it cannot be stretchedand deformed thereafter.

A further innovation of this invention resides in the provision of adevice which enables in-,

troducing a coagulation solution under the strip and to wet the baseduring the process to aid in the regeneration reaction.

In the process carried out by the present device 4. By moving orrotating the pouring base 3 the so spread cellulose-layer 5 passes intoa suitable coagulation liquid 6 provided in the container or trough I.

The character of the liquid vIi depends upon the cellulose solutionbeing used. For viscose a sulphuric acid bath with a supplementary agentof sodium, ammonia or a similar sulphate is chosen as the coagulationand regeneration liquid. The strength of the solution must be chosen tocorrespond to the effect desired as is hereinafter set forth.

In accordance with the present invention; the coagulation of the layer 5starts while the layer passes the point 8 on the surface 2,.where thelayer 5 on the base enters the coagulation bath. The velocity of themovement of the base 3 and the concentration of the liquid 6 is of sucha character, that the coagulation is completed before it passes thepoint indicated est! in Fig. 1.

II! which will-hereinafter be set forth-in detail.

This device I0 takes the place of the surface 2 for a short time asthe-strip 5 slides over it while the device In moistens the lower sideof the strip 5 as well as the surface 2 of the base 3 during this shortperiod.

Beyond the" device III, the strip again passes I onto the surface 2 andwhile so spread on ,it.

may thus be moistened with a fresh coagulation fluid and regeneratedwithout being stretched,

extended or shrunk.

The device In while not necessarily positioned above the level of thebath 6 is so-illustrated in Fig. 1; as exemplifying one embodiment ofthe invention, but at least should be positioned at a 'point where thecoagulation fluid begins to penetrate the strip or layer 5 to thesurface 2.

V If necessary, the roller H, as shown in Fig. 2, may be provided toguide the strip '5 as it passes the removalv of the strip 5 at theroller i2 will take place very easily and safely, particularly ascompared to the processes heretofore known.

Consequently, there is no danger of the strip sticking to the surface 2nor in being impaired or injured when being removed from the surface 2.

The moisture which remains on the surface 2.

after the removal of the strip,'isswiped off by scraping means, such asthe pivotally mounted scrapers l3 so that the surface 2 will be dryagain after passing such scrapers it. As a spebefore retu g-to thenozzle 4 the remaining moisture, if a may be wiped off or evaporate bywarm air supplied by the blower it.

After the strip 5 is removed by the roller i2, it is passed throughdiflferent'treatment baths, washed andthe like and finally dried. Thedevice l shown in Figs. .3 and 4 comprises a main body 2| which ispivotally mounted on the shaft 22 or the like. At the end of this mainbody 21 which is removed from its pivotal point 22, there is provided aflexible blade 24 preferably composedof metal which is placed in .a slit23 in the present instance and secured by'screws 25. The blade 24 ismounted to press against the surface 2 and is ground in such a way thatit lies in intimate engagement with thesurface 2 throughout its wholewidth.

Transversely through the cial preca'utiog effectively to dr this surface2,

channel to receive the coagulation liquid supplied thereto by anysuitable .means such as a pump or the like. I

This chamber 26 may other liquid'between the'strip and the surface 2.The quantity of the liquid so supplied will of course be controlled bythe pump (not shown).

A large number of minute orifices such as 21, 28 and 29 are provided toform communications between the chamber 26 and the inner or lowersurface of the strip 5, the surface 2 and even the blade24. v

The device Ill preferably also is tapered at its end adjacent to itsshaft 22 as shown and provided with a slit 3!! and screws 3| to receiveand secure the blade 32 preferably composed of rubher which intimatelyengages the surface 2.

The blade 24, which constitutes the advance edge relative to themovement of the pouring base 3 efiect's the transfer of the strip 5 fromthe surface 2 to the back of the device 10. The supply of liquidthrough" the orifices 2'! and 29 facilitates the transfer-of the strip 5onto the back of the device Hi. The blade 32 guides the strip 5 back tothe surface 2, so that throughout this path of movementthe strip 5 isconstantly supported, o that it may not acquire any striations, streaksor irregularities. The strip 5 while so advanced on the back of thedevice ID, the surface 2 is supplied with liquid through the orifices28' and thereby moistened.

The mode of operation main body 2|, there extendsthe supply chamber 25which forms a of the process made.

possible with these devices comprises completing not only thecoagulation upon the surface 2 but also the subsequent reactions, forthe period required completely to solidify the strip 5. Dur ing the.main coagulation reaction, the pouring base 3 is dry but thereafter andthat is just before arriving at the device ill and the covered partbeyond it, the pouring base 3 is moistened with coagulation fluid orwith a similar suitable liquid. This process is particularlycharacterized by providing the device II) which supplies a freshreaction liquid between the strip 5 and the surface, 2 and insures thatthe strip 5 at this time 1s nottransported without an effective supportand furthermore in that between the removing roller I2 and the pouringbase 3, the surface 2 -ls-freed of molsture and arrives in a drycondition at; and under the nozzle 5.

.be used to supply any In the embodiment shown in Fig. 1, the device it.is located above the level of the coagulation fluid 6,the guidingroller H of Fig. 2 dispensed with and the strip 5 preferably-removed bythe conveyor 33 extending around the rollers 34 and 35, the roller 35being disposed above the trough 36 into which the strip 5 is thenadvanced, from which the strip 5 is fed by any suitable means to one ormore or other treatment baths and,the like according to the processbeing practiced.

In the embodiment shown in Fig. 2, on the other hand, after the strip 5is removed by the roller l2, it passes under the idler 31 and thenoverthe roller 38 whereupon it is advanced down into the trough 38. i

Preferably especially when the device I0 is positioned below the levelof the liquid 6, in order to insure maintaining the stripping blade 24in intimate engagement with the surface 2 of the base 5, the shaft 22has fixed thereon a lever 40 to receive the weight 4| as shown toexercise a torqueon the shaft 22 and in turn to press the blade 24 intointimate engagement with the surface 2 of the base 3 as shown.

'It is obvious that various changes and modifl-' .coagulating bath untilthe coagulating fluid of the bath has started penetrating to thesupporting base thereby to moisten the same, adevice for freeing theformedfllm layer from the supporting base. continuing to support thefllm layer during the freeing action, and returning the layer to saidbase after completing the freeing action. said device including'asupporting surface for the film during the freeing action and guides atboth ends ofsaid surface associated with said device for detaching andreturning the fllm layer to the base after completing the freeingaction.

2. The combination of a rotatable supporting base, a feed having itsdischarge end disposed adjacentto the base for pouring in the form of alayer of viscose and the like cellulose solutions directly onto the basewithout passing through any unsupported intervening free space, acoagulating bath, means for rotating said base through said coagulatingbath until the coagulating fluid of the bath has started penetrating tothe supporting base thereby to moisten the same, a device for freeingthe formed film layer from the supporting base, continuing to supportthe film layer during the freeing action, and returning the layer tosaid base after completing the freeing action, said device including asupporting surface for the film during the freeing action and guides atboth ends of said surface associated with said device for detaching andreturning the film layer to the base after completing the freeingaction.

3. The combination of a supporting base, a feed having its discharge enddisposed adjacent to the base for pouring in the form of a layer ofviscose and the like cellulose solutions directly onto the base withoutpassing through any unsupported intervening free space, a coagulatingbath, means for actuating said base through said coagulating bath untilthe coagulating fluid of the bath has started penetrating to thesupporting base thereby to moisten thesame, a device for freeing theformed film layer from the supporting base, continuing to support thefilm layer during the freeing action, and returning the layer to saidbase after completing the freeing action, said device including asupporting surface for the film during the freeing action and guides atboth ends of said surface associated with said device for detaching andreturning the film layer to the base after completing the freeingaction, and having a coagulation fluid supply chamber, and havingorifices communicating with said supporting base and the inner face ofsaid layer V to supply coagulation fiuid thereto during the freeingaction.

4. The combination of a rotatable supportin base, a feed having itsdischarge end disposed adjacent to the base for pouring in the form of alayer of .viscose and the like cellulose solutions directly onto thebase without passing through any unsupported intervening free space, acoagulating bath, means for rotating said base through said coagulatingbath until the coagulating fluid of the bath has started penetrating tothe supporting base thereby to moisten the same, a device for freeingthe formed film layer from the supporting base, continuing to supportthe film layer during the freeing action, and returning the layer tosaid base after completing thefreeing action, said device including asupporting surface for the film during the freeing action and guides atboth ends of said surface associated with said device for detaching andreturning the film layer to the base-after completing the freeingaction, and a stripping device-for stripping the layer from said baseafter the coagulation has been fully effected.

5. The combination of a rotatable supporting base, a'feed having itsdischarge end disposed adjacent to the base for pouring in the form of alayer of viscose and the like cellulose solutions directly onto the basewithout passing through any unsupported intervening free space, acoagulating bath, means for rotating said base through said coagulatingbath until the coagulating fluid of the bath has started penetrating tothe supporting base thereby to' moisten the same, a device for freeingthe formed film layer from the supporting base, continuing to supportthe film layer during the freeing action, and returning the layer tosaidbase after completing the freeing action, said device including asupporting surface for the film during the freeing associated with saiddevice for detaching and returning the film layer to the base aftercompleting the freeing action, a stripping device for stripping thelayer from said base after the coagulation has been fully effected, andscrapers for freeing the base of any coagulation fluid deposits afterthe layer has been stripped.

6. The combination of a rotatable supporting base, a feed having itsdischarge end disposed adjacent to the base for pouring in the form of alayer of viscose and the like cellulose solutions directly onto thebasewithout passing through any unsupported intervening free space, acoagulating bath, means for rotating said base through said coagulatingbath until the coagulating fluid of the bath has started penetrating tothe supporting base thereby to moisten the same, a device for freeingthe formed film layer from the supporting base, continuing to supportthe film layer during the freeing action, and returning the layer tosaid base after completing the freeing action, said device including a'super for directing a -warm blast of air :onto the base so freed fromany coagulation fiuid deposits so that the face of the base presented tothe feed 7 will always be dry.

'7. The combination of a rotatable supporting base, a feed having itsdischarge end disposed adjacent to the base for pouring in the form of alayer of viscose and the like cellulose solutions directly onto the basewithout passing through any unsupported intervening free space, acoagulating bath, means for rotating said base through said coagulatingbath until-the coagulating fluid of the bath has started penetrating tothe supporting base thereby to moisten the same, a device for freeingtheformed film layer from the supporting base, continuing to'support thefilm layer during the freeing action, and returning the layer to saidbase after completing the freeing action, said device including asupporting surface for the film during the freeing action and beingtapered at both edges of said surface, and guiding blades associatedwith said edges to guide the film layer from the supporting base, oversaid device, and back onto the supporting base.

8. The combination of a supporting base, a feed having its discharge enddisposed adjacent to the base for pouring in the form of a layer ofviscose and the like cellulose solutions directly onto the base withoutpassing through any unsupported intervening free space, a coagulatingbath, means for actuating said base through said coagulating bath untilthe coagulating fiuid of action and guides at both ends of said surfacethe bath has started penetrating to the supporting base thereby tomoisten the same, a devicefor freeing the formed film layer from thesupporting base, continuing to support the film layer during the freeingaction, and returning the layer to said base after completing thfreeingaction, said device including a supporting surface for the film duringthe freeing action and guidesat both ends of said surface associatedwith said device for detaching and-returning the film layer to the baseafter completing ab'ovethe level of. said coagulating bath."

9. The combination of a supporting base, a feed having its discharge enddisposed adjacent to the base for pouring in the 'form of a layer ofviscose and the like cellulose solutions directly ontothe base withoutpassing through any-unsupported intervening free space, a coagulatingbath, means for actuating said base through said coagulating bath untilthe coagulating fluid of the bath has started penetrating to thesupporting base thereby to moisten the same, a device for freeing theformed film layer from the supporting base, continuing to support thefilm layer during the freeing action, and returning the layer to saidbase aftercompleting the freeing action, said device including asupporting surface for the film during the freeing action and guides at.both ends of said surface associated with said h ing base thereby tomoisten the same, a device for freeing the formed film layer from thesupporting base, continuing tosupport the film layer during the freeingaction, and returning the layer to said base after completing thefreeing action, said device including a supporting surface for the filmduring the freeing action and guides at both ends of said surfaceassociated with said device for detaching and returning the film layerto the base after completing the freeing action;

and a weighted arm for maintaining the advance 2,818,125 the. freeing"action, said device being disposed.

4 to the supporting base thereby to moisten the edge of said device inintimate engagement with said supportingbase.

l1. The combination of a rotatable supporting base, a feed having itsdischarge end disposed adjacent to the base for pouring in the form of alayer of viscose and the like cellulose solutions directly onto the basewithout passing through any unsupported intervening free space, acoagulating bath, means for rotating said base through said coagulatingbath until the coagulatlng fluid of the bath has started penetratingsame, a device for freeing the formed film layer from the supportingbase, continuing to support the film layer during the freeing action,and returning the layer to said base after completing the freeingaction, said device including a supporting surface for the film duringthe freeing action and being tapered at its advance edge, and a guidingblade secured to said tapered edge and forming a continuation of saidtapered advance edge extending between said supporting base and thesupported film layer.

1-2. The combination of a supporting base, a feed for pouring in theform of a layer of viscose and the like cellulose solutions onto thebase, a coagulating bath, means for actuating said base through saidcoagulating bath until the c0aguaction and guides at both ends of saidsurface associated with said device for detaching and returning the filmlayer to the base, one of which guides serves as a stripper to free thefilm from the supporting base and the other of which guides serve toreturn the layer to the supporting base after leaving the device;

13. The combination of a supporting base, a feed for pouring in the formof a layer of viscose and the like cellulose solutions onto the base, acoagulating bath, means for actuating said base through saidcoagulatingbath until the coagulating fluid of the bath has started penetrating tothe supporting base thereby to moisten the same, a device for freeingthe formed film layer from the supporting base, continuing to supportthe film layer during the freeing action, and returning the layer tosaid base after completing the freeing action, said device including asupporting surface for the film during the freeing.

action and guides at both ends of said surface associated with saiddevice for detaching and returning the film layer to the base, acoagulation fluid supply chamber in said device, and apertures in saiddevice extending from the chamber to'the guides to supply coagulationfluid thereto during the freeing action.

